Plant care

5 Tips to Keep your Succulents Alive

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Succulents are a popular choice for indoor plants because they are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. These hardy plants are native to arid climates, so they are well-suited to life indoors. With proper care, succulents can thrive and provide a beautiful addition to your home. Here are some tips for caring for succulent plants:

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  1. Choose the right pot.

Succulent plants prefer to be grown in pots that have drainage holes, as this allows excess water to drain out of the soil and prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged.

Avoid using pots that do not have drainage holes, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

In general, a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root system is a good choice

2. Use the right soil.

The type of soil that you use can have a big impact on your succulent’s health.

Succulents prefer well-draining soil that contains a mix of organic matter and inorganic materials.

Avoid using potting soil that is too dense or heavy, as this can retain too much moisture and harm the plant.

Instead, look for a soil mix that is specifically designed for succulents or cacti.

3. Provide adequate light

Succulent plants need light to photosynthesize and grow, so it is important to provide them with enough light to thrive.

The amount of light that a succulent needs depends on the species, but most succulents do best in bright, indirect light.

Avoid placing your succulent in a location that is too dark or too sunny, as this can harm the plant.

If you are unsure about the light requirements for your succulent, you can consult a gardening guide or ask a plant expert for advice.

4. Water your succulent properly

Overwatering and underwatering are two of the most common mistakes that people make when caring for succulent plants.

To avoid these issues, make sure to water your succulent according to its specific needs.

Most succulents prefer to be watered deeply and then allowed to dry out completely before watering again.

A good rule of thumb is to water your succulent when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Avoid watering the plant too frequently, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

5. Prune and groom your succulent

Regular pruning and grooming can help your succulent stay healthy and look its best.

Pruning can remove dead or damaged growth and encourage new, healthy growth.

To prune your succulent, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off any dead or damaged leaves or stems.

Groom your succulent by removing any yellow or wilted leaves, and dusting off the leaves to keep them clean.

This will help your succulent to absorb more light and look more attractive.

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DIY Indoor Plant Decor Ideas: Spruce Up Your Space with These Playful Plant Projects

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Are you looking to spruce up your living space with some greenery? Indoor plants are not only great for purifying the air, but they can also add a touch of style and personality to any room. In this blog post, we’ll share some playful DIY indoor plant decor ideas that you can easily make at home.

1. Macramé Hangers:

Macramé hangers are a stylish and versatile way to display your plants and add some natural beauty to your home. These plant hangers were popular in the 1970s and have made a big comeback in recent years, with their intricate knots and bohemian charm.

To create your own macramé hanger, all you need is some rope, scissors, and a pot. You can use a variety of materials for your rope, including cotton, jute, or even recycled t-shirts. Begin by cutting your rope to the desired length, taking into account the height of your ceiling and the length you want your hanger to be.

Next, tie a knot at the top of the rope, leaving enough room for the pot to sit comfortably. You can then start knotting your rope in a series of knots, either using a simple pattern or a more intricate design. There are many macramé tutorials available online to help you get started.

Once you’ve reached the desired length, you can add your plant pot to the hanger, making sure it is secure and balanced. You can create a simple knot or use a decorative wrap to tie off the hanger at the bottom.

Macramé plant hangers can be hung from the ceiling, a hook on the wall, or even from a tree branch outside. They are a great option for those who want to save floor space and add some natural beauty to their home décor. So why not try creating your own macramé hanger today and give your plants the attention they deserve?

2. Terrarium:

Terrariums are a delightful way to bring the beauty of nature indoors, especially if you have limited space. These self-contained ecosystems can be created in a variety of glass containers, including jars, bowls, and even light bulbs, and can feature a range of plant species, from succulents and cacti to ferns and mosses.

To create your own terrarium, you’ll need a few basic supplies: a glass container, some small rocks or pebbles, activated charcoal (optional), potting soil, and, of course, your favorite plants. Begin by layering the rocks or pebbles on the bottom of the container. This helps with drainage and prevents water from sitting in the soil and causing root rot.

Next, add a layer of activated charcoal if desired. This helps to filter the air and prevent mold from growing inside the terrarium. Then, add a layer of potting soil, making sure to leave enough space for your plants to grow. Gently plant your chosen plants, arranging them in a way that creates a visually pleasing composition.

Once your plants are in place, it’s time to add any decorative elements you like, such as small figurines, decorative rocks, or seashells. You can also add a layer of decorative sand or moss on top of the soil for added texture and interest.

Terrariums make for excellent conversation starters and can be displayed on shelves, tabletops, or even hung from the ceiling. They require minimal maintenance and are perfect for those who may not have a green thumb or who are short on time. So why not try creating your own terrarium today and bring a little piece of nature into your home?

3. Vintage Containers:

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to add some personality to your indoor plant collection, consider repurposing old containers like teapots, mugs, or vintage planters. Not only is this an eco-friendly way to give new life to old items, but it also allows you to create unique and charming plant displays that reflect your personal style.

Teapots and mugs, for example, can make excellent planters for smaller plants like herbs, succulents, or small flowering plants. Simply fill them with soil and add your plant of choice, making sure to leave enough room for the roots to grow. This not only adds a quirky touch to your décor but also provides an unexpected twist on traditional planters.

Vintage planters, on the other hand, can be used to give your plants a nostalgic feel. Whether it’s an old tin can, a classic ceramic pot, or a retro metal planter, these repurposed containers can add a touch of vintage charm to your living space. Plus, they often have a unique character that newer planters just can’t match.

By repurposing old containers as planters, you can add a personal touch to your décor while reducing waste and giving new life to old items. So why not raid your cupboards or check out local thrift stores to see what hidden gems you can find? Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite planter that you never knew you needed.

4. Hanging Planters:

Hanging planters are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add some greenery to their home without taking up too much floor space. Whether you live in a small apartment or simply want to keep your living areas clutter-free, a hanging planter can be a stylish and practical solution.

To create your own hanging planter, all you need are a few basic supplies: a basket or mesh bag, some twine, and, of course, your favorite plant. Choose a plant that is well-suited to hanging, such as a trailing vine or a spider plant, and make sure it has enough space to grow and thrive in its new home.

Once you’ve selected your plant, gently insert it into the basket or mesh bag, taking care not to damage its roots or leaves. Then, tie the twine securely around the top of the basket, making sure it is strong enough to support the weight of the plant. You can also add some extra twine or decorative ribbon to the top of the planter for an extra touch of style.

Finally, it’s time to hang your new creation! Choose a spot in your home that receives plenty of natural light and is easily accessible for watering and care. You can hang your planter from the ceiling using a hook or anchor, or attach it to a wall using a sturdy bracket or hanger. Once your planter is securely in place, sit back and enjoy the beauty and freshness it brings to your living space.

5. Test Tube/ Bottles:

Test tube plants and bottle planters are not only practical, but they can also add a touch of whimsy to your indoor plant collection.

Picture a row of delicate test tubes holding tiny, vibrant plants that seem to dance in the sunlight.

Or how about a vintage glass bottle repurposed as a hanging planter, showcasing a cascading vine?

With some creativity and a little bit of DIY know-how, you can turn ordinary glass vessels into stunning plant displays that bring life and joy to your living space.

Whether you choose to display them on a windowsill or hang them from the ceiling, test tube plants and bottle planters are sure to add a unique and charming touch to your indoor garden.

With these DIY ideas, you can create your own unique plant displays that reflect your personal style. So go ahead, get creative, and bring some greenery into your home!

Creating a Plant-Friendly Home Environment: Tips for Keeping Your Houseplants Healthy and Thriving

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Hey there plant enthusiasts! Are you looking to create a home environment that’s perfect for your beloved indoor plants? If so, you’re in luck! By following a few simple tips, you can create a space that’s perfect for your plants to thrive.

One of the many benefits of having plants in your home is that they can improve the air quality and make your space feel more inviting and relaxing. But to keep your plants healthy and happy, it’s important to create a home environment that’s conducive to their growth.

So, what does a plant-friendly home environment look like? It’s all about paying attention to the basic needs of your plants and providing them with the right conditions to thrive. This might include choosing the right soil, providing adequate light and water, and maintaining a comfortable temperature.

By creating a home environment that’s perfect for your plants, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of having plants in your space. Not only will your plants be healthy and happy, but you’ll also have the pleasure of enjoying their beauty and the many other benefits they bring.

Plant Types:

When it comes to caring for indoor plants, one of the most important things to consider is choosing the right plants for your space. Not all plants are well-suited to life indoors, so it’s important to select plants that are specifically designed for growing inside.

Before you buy any plants, make sure to consider the amount of light and temperature in the location where you will be placing them. Different plants have different light and temperature needs, so it’s crucial to choose plants that will thrive in your particular environment.

If you’re not sure which plants will work best in your space, don’t worry! There are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular choices for indoor plants include snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies. These plants are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of indoor conditions, making them a great choice for beginner plant parents.

So, take the time to choose the right plants for your space and you’ll be well on your way to a happy and healthy indoor garden!

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Provide adequate light:

Without enough light, your plants may struggle to photosynthesize and thrive.

The amount of light that a plant needs depends on the species, but most indoor plants do best in bright, indirect light. This means that they should be placed in a location that gets plenty of light, but not so much that it scorches their leaves.

Avoid placing your plants in locations that are too dark or too sunny, as this can harm them. If you’re not sure about the light requirements for your plants, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources available to help you out. You can consult a gardening guide or ask a plant expert for advice.

So, make sure to give your plants the light they need to thrive. The right amount of light will keep your indoor plants will be happy and healthy.

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Temperature:

Did you know that the temperature of your home or office can have a big impact on the health of your indoor plants? Just like us, plants prefer to be kept at a comfortable temperature.

Most indoor plants prefer to be kept at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This may vary slightly depending on the species of plant, so it’s always a good idea to do some research or consult a gardening guide to determine the specific temperature needs of your plants.

One thing to be aware of is the location of your plants in relation to heating and cooling vents. Fluctuations in temperature caused by these vents can be harmful to your plants, so it’s best to keep them away from these areas.

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Watering:

One of the key ways to do that is by watering them properly.

But let’s be real, it can be tough to get the watering just right. It’s easy to either overwater or underwater your plants, which can lead to all sorts of problems. No one wants to see their beloved plants wilt or droop because they weren’t getting enough (or too much!) H2O.

So, what’s the secret to proper plant watering? It really comes down to understanding the needs of your specific plants. Some plants prefer to be watered frequently and consistently, while others prefer to dry out a bit in between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s probably time to give your plants a drink.

Remember, each plant is unique and may have different watering requirements. So, be sure to do your research and pay attention to your plant’s needs. With a little bit of TLC and the right amount of water, your plants will be happy and healthy in no time!

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Soil

As you probably know, the soil you use can play a big role in the health and well-being of your indoor plants. It’s important to choose the right soil for your specific plants, as different plants have different soil requirements.

When it comes to indoor plants, a well-draining potting soil that contains a mix of organic matter and inorganic materials is generally a good choice. This type of soil will help your plants thrive by providing the necessary nutrients and drainage they need.

But be careful! Avoid using soil from your garden, as it may contain pests or diseases that could harm your indoor plants. It’s always best to opt for a high-quality potting soil specifically designed for indoor use.

So, the next time you’re planting or repotting your indoor plants, be sure to choose the right soil. Your plants will thank you for it!

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Easy Plant Care Tips for Beginners

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You may think that you just aren’t meant to be a plant owner. Perhaps you end up killing your plant every time you try to have a green thumb. Consistently asking yourself “how can I keep this plant alive?” while cursing into the air. Or maybe you just picked up a plant and want to know what you should do.

You may think that you just aren’t meant to be a plant owner. Perhaps you end up killing your plant every time you try to have a green thumb. Consistently asking yourself “how can I keep this plant alive?” while cursing into the air. Or maybe you just picked up a plant and want to know what you should do.

I started out thinking I was horrible with plants. That I could never be the person with a bunch of beautiful hanging greenery in my living room. Always thinking “how much do I water?” or “does this orchid need nutrients?”

I started out thinking I was horrible with plants. That I could never be the person with a bunch of beautiful hanging greenery in my living room. Always thinking “how much do I water?” or “does this orchid need nutrients?”

I’ve also talked to so many different people who just stopped trying because it seemed like too much.

So unless you are buying some rare finicky plant. You can do it. Have you ever thought you may be doing too much?

Stop Watering Your Plant Every Day

If your first step to plant care is watering it every day. STOP… Your plant most likely does not need to be watered every day. In fact, I can get away with watering some of my plants once a week or week and a half.

I know it’s time to water when the soil is dry. At least this goes for a lot of my plants. I treat my Monsteras, ferns, Alocacias, and other like this. They sometimes look a little thirsty and I make sure to soak the soil completely with water to fill that need.

Heck I have some String of Pearl, and two orchids that are healthy by just being in the bathroom shower mist.

My point is that; your plants will tell you when they need water. They won’t just die instantly.

On the other hand… If you water your plant too much it can lead to root rot, and fungus growth which can be a pain to get rid of.

A lot of people think that you need to water every day. Just avoid doing it. Set a reminder on your phone or something to check the soil dryness twice a week to start off.

Here is my article about overwatered plants in case you suspect it has been overwatered.

How To Know When Your Plant Is Overwatered: What To Do.

Another common issue with overwatering is dealing with powdery mildew which I wrote about below.

Identifying Powdery Mildew: Treat in a natural way

Let there be light

If your plant is recommended to have indirect light. It doesn’t mean keep it in the shade or closet. You can put your plant behind light curtains, or in the open. Just don’t let it get blazing direct sunlight all day. I have been able to tell when my plants get too much sun usually when the ends of their leaves get a bit crisp.

Don’t be afraid to find a spot that your plant loves.

I have one plant that hated to be moved. Every single time I moved it, the leaves would droop and it would look sad. Until I found the spot for it. It took some experimenting but it was worth it and now it’s thriving.

Don’t give up on your plant

You may be asking yourself “is this plant ever going to come back to life”. I say, give it as much of a chance as you can.

I had an alocasia in the corner of my office. It started dripping black stuff out of it’s leaves. Every part of it looked dead besides the little stem that was poking out. I didn’t water that plant for months. It was in the worst unlit area of my office.

One day I walk in, and what do I notice? About 5 little things poking up from the soil. Over the next few days, they grow exponentially.

I have no clue how that plant survived but it is a miracle plant, that survived against all odds.

My point is. Don’t give up on your plant until it gives up. Because it may just be your own miracle plant.

Have fun, Don’t get discouraged

Being a plant parent shouldn’t be a stressful thing. Plants are supposed to make your space look comfortable, and relaxing. Don’t get upset if it doesn’t work out the first time.

Start out small, don’t go overboard. Once you know how to take care of one or two plants, get another.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether it’s with different areas in the house, or perhaps supplemental lighting. If your plant doesn’t like what you are doing, it will tell you. And then experiment some more. If worse comes to worse, you have to get another plant and try again.

But please… Stop overwatering your plants as the first sign of an issue.

How to increase Humidity for indoor plants

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Does your plant look sad? Is it wilting, maybe looking slightly crusty on the leaves? Your plant may be suffering from what we would like to call “Lack of humidity” Don’t let this alarm you. There is no need to call a doctor, or even a therapist.

Low humidity can be a simple fix, that may not require you watering your plant more (which may actually hurt it). Stop overwatering your plants people.

But what if I don’t know all of the signs of low humidity for plants? One may ask…

Signs of low humidity in plants:

  • Brown tip/ Curling edges on leaves.
  • Leaves looking like they are drying out in general
  • Wilted look
“dying plant, polka dotted planter” by massdistraction is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Note: that sometimes it is hard to tell whether your plant is under watered or doesn’t have enough humidity. In my opinion increasing it’s humidity first and then seeing the reaction is better. Rather than over watering, which may do more harm if you are wrong about what the issue is.

What you can do for humidity problems:

Humidity Tray

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Misting Bottle

These are pretty simple in what they do, some have pebbles some don’t.

Personally I prefer ones with pebbles, this is because it can prevent root rot by keeping water slightly away from the roots if they start coming out of the pot.

These are normally cheap, and easy to get ahold of. Using them as a first step in trying to fix your humidity issue may be a good first choice rather than going with the more expensive options.

Please note, that unglazed clay pots typically suck moisture out of the soil faster than other options. Please take note of that.

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Another affordable option would be to simply mist your plants if they are a plant that is able to handle the mist. most are just check in case.

You generally will want to avoid water pooling into leaves which could promote mold, another area where to avoid would be near the stem if the water can collect in there.

Combining a humidity tray, with some misting could help tremendously with your humidity issues.

Bathroom

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Humidifier

There are other ways that you can increase the humidity for your plants and not really have to do anything but move them.

This would be bringing them to your bathroom. A lot of the time this can be a quick easy no cost solution to the humidity issues you may be facing.

In a lot of areas during the winter, most parts of peoples houses tend to lose humidity either due to fires, or heaters that kill the humidity. So if the weather is getting colder and you are noticing your plants suffering from the symptoms above. Try moving it into the bathroom. Also, orchids tend to thrive in bathrooms from my own experience.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

When worse comes to worse in the humidity problems of plants. Maybe you just have too many plants to do the above suggested things for.

This is when I would suggest a humidifier. A lot of humidifiers can read the rooms humidity levels. They are generally automatic.

You can usually find some good humidifiers online that won’t break the bank either. So if you just want to relax and not have to put misting your plants on the list of things you already have to do, this is what I would suggest.

Humidifiers can also be good for stopping the stuffy nose, or cracked lips in the winter which is just an extra added bonus.

One last note about the humidifiers. You will want to do maintenance sometimes in order to check for mold. Because it holds water inside of it, you could get some mold growth, which is easy to take care of if it does happen.

The Last Month Update

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This last month has been rough, especially with school. I turned out to be a lot busier than what I was expecting. I wish I had been able to write more but I haven’t been able to put in the time to do proper research. I wasn’t wanting to put out a bad article. I have been focusing on school, and wanted to get my office worked on a bit more.

I have been contemplated doing some DIY outdoor planter boxes when I get the chance for a while. My girlfriend really thinks that they would be nice to grow some veggies on the side of the house and look nice at the same time. I don’t think I can disagree with her.

Because the weather has been so nice, I started making the raised garden bed. The frame is all laid out. All I have to take the grass out of that area, and level it so the boards lay flat. I will most likely line the bottom of it with sticks for extra nutrients, as well as not having to fill as much with topsoil. I will most likely have to buy some starts from what I want to grow because I started too late I believe to grow from seed.

I hope to finish a few of my posts soon. I have some that are half written, but I wanted to take the time with them in order to make them worth reading. Another issue I have had is with the alocasia silver dragon that I bought, which I believe is having some sort of fungus issue/rot. I got it and the soil was not proper soil for it which I think was a main factor.

I know I should have transferred the plant into a different type, but I thought aerating it would do it well considering the weather has gotten warmer. However I was wrong, but someone did suggest I use a copper type of treatment on it. I have to look into that a little more but it is at least something I can try.

Thank you for reading,

-Plant Dummy

How To Know When Your Plant Is Overwatered: What To Do.

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“Yucca sp. wilting from root rot” by Plant pests and diseases is marked with CC0 1.0

A lot of the time when people experience an issue with their plant, they may choose to water their plant. Whether it’s looking wilted, or turning yellow. Watering too much was at the top of the list for my issues.

Note: All plants are different, but a lot may react similarly. Make sure you double check for your specific plant. This is to help with some ideas of what you may come across.

How Overwatering can happen.

A lot of the time overwatering can happen when you are too into looking at your plant. I made this mistake when I first got into plants. I would think that maybe if I didn’t water enough, my plant would automatically die. However this is not the case, and for many plants underwatering is far safer for your plant than overwatering. At least as far as plant recovery is concerned. Overwatering can also happen when the soil is not able to train fast enough.

What Overwatering Looks Like

Some of the signs of overwatering may seem like it doesn’t really make sense. So knowing the signs of overwatering/watering issues is important to keeping your plant healthy.

  • Over watering can lead to an even more wilted looking leaves sometimes even curled looking.
  • If you notice your plant isn’t having any new growth, but this can also be due to other factors as well, like if your plant gets too cold some can go into a dormant state. That can usually happen below 50 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Where the plant meets the soil may start to rot, which makes it feel soft.
  • Yellowing of leaves.
  • You can even get fungus that starts growing in the soil because of the consistent moisture.

Something you can’t normally see until you take the plant out and inspect it would be root rot.

How to Avoid Overwatering

There can be many reasons that lead to the plant being overwatered. It may not just be the fact that you water too much. There are several ways that you can avoid overwatering. Here’s what you can do.

  • Wait until the appropriate soil dryness. Usually I go with the first or second knuckle deep for the soil to be try. Different plants have different suggestions.
  • Get an appropriate plant pot, which is one that drains properly. A lot of plants will do okay around 60-70 degrees.
  • Have an appropriate temperature for your plant. This leads to the water to be evaporated quicker.
  • Plants require different water depending on what time of the year it is.

Some people will suggest a plant watering spike to make watering easier. I think that they can work for some plants, but if you give watering spikes a shot. Make sure you still pay attention to the soil. You wouldn’t want to come back in two weeks to see your plant basically dying of root rot.

I personally think that a good draining pot would be a good option for most people over a watering spike. If you are curious about testing out a convenient well rated pot you can check this one out. It is also not a bad price either.

Click Here If You Want To Buy Self Watering, Self Aerating High Drainage Deep Reservoir Pot On Amazon.

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Identifying Powdery Mildew: Treat in a natural way

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Learn how to Identify, and treat powdery mildew easily.

“DSC05460 powdery mildew cucumber” by Plant pests and diseases is marked with CC0 1.0

So you notice your plants leaves are curling a little bit. Maybe you see think someone sprinkled powdered sugar all over your plants, but I highly doubt that. You should rule out mealybugs which is one of the pests I talk about in another article.

However you still have a problem. Good thing for you, powdery mildew is not really a death sentence for your your plants, just a major annoyance but it shouldn’t be ignored because it can get worse. Getting powdery mildew is important not only for saving the amount of headaches.

Identifying Powdery Mildew

“DSC05427 powdery mildew pepper” by Plant pests and diseases is marked with CC0 1.0

with powdered mildew, you will most likely see some white powder on your leaves or around the stem area. It may look like if there was water spots on your leaves that dried into a fine white powder.

Another symptom can be curling leaves, and discoloration. This can lead people to think that there is a nutrient issue, this is more common further into an infection when it tends to be more severe.

Some leaves may curl up and fall off at a further stage of infection.

How does powdery mildew happen

Considering that powdery mildew is usually various fungal spores, which can lay dormant and start spreading once the conditions are better for it to spread.

A powdery mildew infection can start from bad air flow, bad lighting (to little), bringing in a new plant that is infected, even walking into the room with spores on your clothes from outside could do it.

Another factor is high humidity ranging from around 60-70% and higher. High humidity often can lead to fungus/mold issues if they are presented into the environment mixed with other negative factors. That is why it is important to have some air flow and proper lighting.

Note: make sure whatever you have to do with the plant that you are careful, because the spores can transfer very easily.

Treating Powdery Mildew

Isolate your infected plant from your other plants, carefully cover the plant if you are able to so that the spores don’t get released into the air. Be careful when you move the plant, because the spores are very sensitive and can spread very easily.

Either pinch the affected leaves, or areas such as a vine on an English Ivy that is infected. If you have to use any gloves or tools, make sure you wash them or sanitize them in order to kill the spores afterwards. You don’t want to accidentally re introduce the spores.

Tip for trimming: You can also use cinnamon after you pinch or cut on the areas, because cinnamon has antifungal properties, so it helps prevent infection, and can lead to boosted growth from previously clipped areas to boost the possibility of growth as well.

You can use either a spray or something like neem oil. Just be careful with neem oil and too much light because neem oil can lead to certain plants burning easily from light sensitivity.

If worse comes to worse, and you really have to. You can use a spray that will help with the issue, just make sure you research if what spray you will be using is okay for your plant.

Improving aspects that caused the problem will help you longer term. This can be increasing air flow, giving the room proper lighting, or decreasing the humidity if there is too much.

If you want more tips:

Honestly there are products out there that I could easily pump out. But I think that the best bet to prevent this stuff is making your environment a good environment. If you are curious about what I think are good things that make owning indoor plants easier you can check out my post on Indoor Plant Tools to make your life easier.

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Helpful Indoor Plant Tools To Make Your Life Easier

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*I may get commissions for purchases made through Amazon links in this post.

Do you ever wonder what you should have for your plant care. Things that can make your life a lot easier, as well as your plants being a lot happier.

I have talked about some of these things in previous posts. I thought it would be good to have what I think is good to have all in one place, so here it is!

I think that there were things that I needed that I just put off for a long time. Once we got some things that we knew we needed, and had them around the house. There was a big difference in the quality of care that our plants were able to receive.

Plant Shears

I didn’t realize we needed it until we needed one for root rot and leaf issues. After using cheap scissors we realized we should probably get some plant shears to make cleaner cuts. Older, bigger paper scissors can lead to damage of your plant.

I am also not big ones like for cutting outdoor branches. I am talking about the ones that are big enough to do the job as well as look good in your plant setting or paired with your plant tools.

These pruning shears are not like the bulky ones that you would normally see for cutting outdoor plants. They have a shorter blade than normal scissors too, which allow you to get right in there. They also have 21,000+ really good reviews.

Click Here to Buy The VIVOSUN Shears on Amazon.

I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Small Humidifier

This is useful especially during the winter time for most people. It is hard to keep the humidity in your house up when you have a fire, or a heater going. You can’t really trade off humidity for heat, you generally will need some combination of both. This is a big problem in my house because we have a wood stove.

So what can you do ? A lot of plants also don’t do very well in the colder climates, and humidity trays only go so far. If you want a more consistent humidity, then look into getting a Humidifier.

I really like the sleek look of this humidifier. The fact that it also has a humidity gauge built into it really got my attention, while still being quiet when it is working.

Click Here To Buy The TaoTronics Humidifier on Amazon

I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Humidity/Temperature Gauge

It is important to have the right temperature range for house plants. But unless it’s extremely cold or dipping below the 50s. That generally won’t be too much of an issue.

However, I would bet that what most people don’t have is a humidity gauge. Most indoor plants like humidity, or a certain range at least. This paired with a humidifier is going to give you an easier time to adjust to the particular settings you need.

Luckily for us, these normally come at a cheap cost. They last a long time and it’s better than just guessing. This paired with the humidifier can give you a better idea of what your plants are experiencing in your home.

This little guy tells you what you need to know. It shows both the temperature, as well as the humidity. I liked this because it’s simple to read, gives you the ranges of the room. What I liked the most was the backlight feature, and the price point.

As well as a really decent price, especially compared to the others listed. I wouldn’t want to pay a bunch of money for something this simple, which is why I like this option.

Click Here To Buy The ThermoPro TP55 on Amazon

I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

LED Plant Lights

Another thing that I knew that I wanted, was LED plant lights. I was fortunate enough to get some LED lights from a roommate moving and he left them for me. These were cheap sets of LED lights but they do the job, and are really adjustable for me. However I wish that I had more options, as mine only have 2 intensity settings.

But these cheap lights work, and I was happy about them. I do think that I will upgrade them eventually, and maybe have the cheaper LED in some other area of the house.

Make sure you put into consideration of the type of light the LED has. Some plants prefer certain types of light compared to others. Some plants also like more of a certain light when they are wanting to bloom.

These are very similar to the LED lights that I have. But this one has 3 light bars instead of 2, and more settings as far as intensity, light color settings/ time settings. They are a reasonable price, and have light settings for blue, red, and mixed depending what your plant requires.

Click Here To Buy These Buteny Grow Lights on Amazon

I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Watering Mister

These are really useful when you have a plant that you want to mist just a particular part of the plant. Like trying to get under the leaf part to the roots in particular. As well as just creating a fine enough mist in order to not have big droplets, avoiding too much buildup on the leaves and risking mold/fungus growth.

This mister is similar to the one I have at home. However this one has a longer nozzle, which is beneficial. It will allow you to get in the particular places like misting the roots of your orchid more easily. It also has a decent amount of color options.

Click Here To Buy The Ebristar Glass Mister Bottle on Amazon

I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

I think that these things are beneficial to have. At least in making the care for your plants a bit easier. I hope that these can give you at least some sort of idea on what helped me.

As always if you have any suggestions let me know. Or if there is something that you want to read let me know as well. If you don’t want to miss out on anything you can sign up to my email list. I only use it to let people know about new things on PlantDummy, and if you want off you can easily take yourself off.

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Thank you all for reading,

-Plant Dummy

Plant Dummy’s thoughts of the day

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I have been contemplating for the last few days. On how much I need the elephant ear Alocasia. Heck, I don’t even know what kind of variety of the plant I want yet. I just know that I will get it eventually.

Photo by Macau Photo Agency on Unsplash

It is going to take some good strength to not drive down to the nursery and pick on up this next week. I know it would look good in my office, and we are just finishing it up to where I can move my desk into it.

On the other hand, the silver dragon Alocasia we picked up seems to be doing well. There is some slight new growth coming from the base of the plant. I am hoping that the area that I chose will be consistently humid enough for it. I know the lady mentioned that I should have a glass container for it to adjust, but I still haven’t gotten it (shame on me). I might get it tomorrow, there’s a 50% chance I will go get one tomorrow I promise.

Another thing that I am very excited to have my own office. We I re-did the floor again, then painted the walls. Well my girlfriend mainly painted the walls because of my burnt hand. But still, I kind of helped. I really want to get in by the end of next week. The original goal was the end of this week, but that is not happening.

The new office basically is an excuse to fill it up with plants. The room gets bright shaded sun from the sunrise until about mid day where it tapers off above the house. It will be perfect I think, then I will have an excuse to buy the big guy, and probably pair it with a Monstera.

I should probably wait because someone I know said they have to work on their Monstera and would propagate me a little one. I just don’t know if I am patient enough… But two Monsteras would be better than one.

If you don’t want to miss out on what I have to say, you can sign up for my email list where you can keep up to date. If I get too annoying you can always take yourself off the list as well.

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Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day,

-Plant Dummy